2013 was a strong year for hip-hop. What made 2013 extraordinarily good was the amount of free material that was released by artists. This tactic is usually done by up and comers which is understandable as they’re trying to build their name and brand. Sometimes but not often some well known and established acts take the interntdustry by storm by releasing albums that trump those that are being peddled by major labels for money. So incase you missed something this year here’s a slew of FREE albums that dropped in 2013. I will say I don’t co-sign everything on the list but there’s no denying the importance of some of these albums. Not all links are mine as I googled most of this stuff. Shouts to HHH reddit! for the help.
You can tell by the waves atop Roc’s head that he means business.
- Roc Marciano – The Pimpire Strikes Back
This combo serves up some pretty good listening.
- Vince Staples and Larry Fisherman (Mac Miller) – Stolen Youth
Vic Mensa is on the come up and The Innanetape is a real nice offering to show his talent.
- Vic Mensa – The Innanetape
The Underachievers took 2013 by storm releasing 2 quality albums Indigoism (1st Link) and Lords of Flatbush (2nd Link)
- The Underachievers -Indigoism / Lords of Flatbush
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Joey BadA$$ has a ton of hype around him and why shouldn’t he? He can spit, Summer Knights shows Joeys continuing growth.
- Joey BadA$$ – Summer Knights
$amhill is the essence of hiphop, just raw.
- The Almighty $amhill – The Preface EP
Killer Mike and El-P’s album Run The Jewels was not only free but it’s arguably the best album of the year hands down.
- Killer Mike and El-P – Run The Jewels
Casey Veggies and Rocky Fresh team up to drop the cleverly titled Fresh Veggies.
- Casey Veggies and Rocky Fresh – Rocky Fresh
Rapsody is the only female on the list but don’t take her lightly she got game.
- Rapsody – She Got Game
Mr.Muthafuckin eXquire did things a little different in 2013 not only did he drop the really dope KISMET (1st Link) but he dropped The Blue Edition of Kismet (2nd Link) which gave some social commentary to compliment the album.
- Mr Muthafuckin’ eXquire – KISMET / KISMET Blue
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Flatbush Zombies remind me of ODB at his best and worst.
- Flatbush Zombies – BetterOffDead
Pusha T is just no joke, if you didnt already know get familiar. Hard body rap.
- Pusha T – Wrath of Caine
Chance blew up and ended up on everyone best albums of the year lists so by default we had to include this and Bonafide would’ve been disgraced if I hadn’t.
- Chance The Rapper – Acid Rap
Casey Veggies makes the list again with another release this time dolo.
- Casey Veggies – Life Changes
Worlds Fair is a crew to watch. This album, Bastards of the Party will not disappoint.
- Worlds Fair – Bastards Of The Party
AG The Coroner brings it back to that gutter, that punch a person in the face music.
- AG Da Coroner – Crushed Grapes EP
Add-2 and Krhysis team up for this one called Between Heaven and hell.
- Add-2 and Khrysis – Between Heaven and Hell
This album reminds me of a mix of A$AP with a sprinkle of Flatbush.
- Spark Master Tape – The #SWOUP Serengeti
Action Bronson continues to win like the games fixed and I’m alright with that.
- Action Bronson – Blue Chips 2
Big KRIT is on a whole other level whether its production or rhymes nobodys messing with the King Remembered In Time.
Troy could have album of the year with this one. This is New York Hip-Hop at it’s roots.
- Troy Ave – New York City
Fabolous has released a new mixtape and it’s brand new! I havent given it a proper spin yet. Fabolous seems to be one of the better than average industry dudes.
Fabolous – Soul Tape 3
You like rappers with the first name Young? Look no further!
- Young Thuf – 1017 Thug
What happens when you fuse The Weekend and Drake? You get PARTYNEXTDOOR. This is soft rap that’ll make your wifeys panties drop.
- PARTYNEXTDOOR – PARTYNEXTDOOR
This LA rapper has released a slew of material, Crenshaw being his latest release it hopes to be his best yet.
- Nipsey Hussle – Crenshaw
Mac Miller worked his ass off this year, and I think he’s grown quite a bit. I can back this up because everyone I know (me) was hating on this kid 2 years ago, now they pretend like he’s always been pretty good.
- Mac Miller – Delusional Thomas
Pitbulls are on the album cover, need I say more? Oh yea, No relation and not affiliated with the comedian Aziz.
- Azizi Gibson – Ghost In The Shell
Yes these are the same clowns that came up with the “Jerkin” dance move a couple years ago… Apparently they said fuck the industry and apparently theyre making non fluff hop now. Give it a listen.
- Audio Push – Come As You Are
We know Lord Jamar and Star won’t be checking this out, but that shouldn’t stop you!
- Yelawolf – Trunk Muzik Returns
Everyones favorite smoker is back with New Jet City, with a slew of good features this is a strong freelease.
- Curren$y – New Jet City
If you’re over the the age of 25 you might remember these guys if youre younger your mom and dad might bump some of their stuff, so this will be car appropriate on your way to soccer practice.
- Busta Rhymes and Q-Tip – The Abstract and The Dragon
Free Gucci! No really, free Gucci.
Gucci Mane – Diary of a Trap God
Kevin Gates was on his grind and he dropped this gangster ass tape called The Luca Brasi Story.
Kevin Gates – The Luca Brasi Story